Biochar is
simply another name for charcoal. It is produced from the pyrolysis
of biomass feedstocks. It is high in organic carbon and largely
resistant to decomposition. Please refer to the Potential
Benefits and Needed Research
sections for more information.

The biochar
process (pyrolysis), produces a combination of both biochar and
bio-energy, and with the stable storage of biochar, the overall
process can result in a net removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The stable
storage of biochar in soils can result in the overall net removal
of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Biochar can sequester (store)
the carbon in soils for hundreds and even thousands of years.

The bio-energy
that is produced during pyrolysis falls into three main categories:
bio-gas, bio-oils and heat. This energy can in turn be used to generate
electricity or create gaseous and liquid fuels that can then be
used for various applications such as heating buildings or other
processes (combined heat & power) or for transportation, or
soon, an ulta-clean liquid diesel fuel.

Because a
portion of the original biomass carbon is returned to the soil in
the form of biochar, the overall net release of carbon back to the
atmosphere is carbon negative or carbon subtractive.

In comparison,
a carbon neutral process is one that does not result in additional
carbon dioxide being added to the atmosphere. A common example of
a 'carbon neutral' activity is burning renewable biomass for energy
instead of burning fossil fuels.

Applications
for Biochar/Charcoal:

Biochar is
currently being used in a variety of applications. Varying feedstocks
and processes result in biochar with varying characteristics. A
matching of the type of biochar and respective applicable applications
is in process. Following is a partial list of applications:

Soil amendment

Metallurgical
- biochar is being used as a reductant or reducing agent in the
production of iron and steel, having a similar function to coke

A video
titled 'The Promise
of Biochar' produced for presentation at the UNFCCC in Poznan
December 2008 by VenEarth Group.

A recently
released book on Biochar is available via Amazon.ca or through
the International Biochar Initiative Website - titled Environmental
Management: Science and Technology and edited by IBI Board
members Johannes Lehmann and Stephen Joseph.